More than 200 AFIT scholars earn diplomas at 2023 graduation – AF.mil

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Over 200 graduates endured years of late nights, long hours, painstaking research and pandemic ups and downs to finally cross the stage and receive their diplomas from the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management on March 23 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

This graduating class includes 172 Department of Defense officers, seven enlisted and 19 civilians, seven defense industry contractors and two international students from Australia and Israel.

Of the 208 degrees awarded, the Graduate School conferred 203 master’s degrees and five doctorate degrees in science, technology, engineering and math fields. One graduate earned dual degrees in data science and operations research. Students represent every branch of the military, with 157 Air Force, 13 Space Force, seven Army, four Marine and one Air National Guard members receiving degrees. Additionally, six graduates from previous quarters returned to walk in the ceremony.

Walter Jones, AFIT’s director and chancellor, introduced the ceremony’s guest speaker, retired Gen. Lester Lyles, former commander of Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

“Gen. Lyles is someone who I admired and respected for many years and who now has become a dear friend,” Jones said. “Given all his important activity, I’m delighted he could find the time to be with us tonight on this very special occasion.”

Lyles celebrated the passion that pushed the graduates through their education and challenged them to carry a similar passion for their fields into the next steps they’ll take for their nation.

“I’m a lover of technology and a lover of science,” Lyles said. “I have been my whole life. And as I look out in the audience, I know all of you exhibit and have expressed passion for science and technology. I love that passion.”

Other officials in attendance included Heidi Ries, AFIT provost and chief academic officer, and Adedeji Badiru, dean of the Graduate School.

Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, AFIT’s mission is to provide defense-focused graduate education and related research and operationally relevant initial skills training and professional continuing education to enable the Air and Space Forces to maintain its scientific and technological dominance.

“Communicate,” Lyles charged the graduates. “Like great engineers, you know that great communication is more than just transmitting. It’s mostly receiving. I’m a big believer in talking less and listening more. But I feel very confident that as you all get into your jobs, careers and whatever you’re going to be doing for your country and services, we will hear you by the excellence you’re going to demonstrate in the endeavors and technology you’re a part of.”

At an awards ceremony earlier in the day, the following students were recognized for their exemplary performance:

• Capt. Matthew Johnson from the Electrical and Computer Engineering department received the Chancellor’s Award for producing the most exceptional individual master’s thesis. 
• Capt. Linda Kuster from the Electrical and Computer Engineering department received the Mervin E. Gross Award for her exceptional academic achievement and high qualities of character, initiative and leadership. The award is named in honor of Brig. Gen. Mervin E. Gross, the institute’s first commandant.
• Master Sgt. Benjamin Johnis from the Engineering Physics department received the Louis F. Polk Award. The winner of this award exhibits the highest standards of academic and professional accomplishment, and through his or her research, makes a significant contribution toward strengthening the nation’s industrial defense base.
• Capt. Bret Wagner from the Electrical and Computer Engineering department received the Edwin E. Aldrin Sr. Award presented for displaying the most exceptional leadership characteristics while in the graduate program. The award is sponsored by the Wright Memorial Chapter of the Air Force Association and named in honor of Lieutenant Edwin E. Aldrin Sr., a member of the institute’s first graduating class in 1920. Upon graduation, he became AFIT’s first vice commandant.
• Staff Sgt. Evan Lake from the Systems Engineering and Management department received the Secretary James G. Roche Award for demonstrating exceptional academic achievement through a combination of grade-point average and outstanding research, as well as high qualities of character, initiative, leadership and service. The award is named after Air Force Secretary James G. Roche, whose leadership in 2002 led to the first class of NCOs into the Graduate School of Engineering and Management.

The following students met all degree requirements and were approved for the designated degree (in bold): 

*Distinguished Graduate 

** Returned to walk 

Click on the degree category to see the graduate students names